Very cool. Who would've thought vinyl would make a resurgence? This article looks at a trend once rendered obsolete as newer, slicker, and more compact music media and technologies emerged. It also tracks the plummeting sale of CDs, replaced by online music-sellers like iTunes.
It takes an interesting turn at the end, pointing out the reality that it's often not about convenience, but about love and passion that gives something its staying power. It was disappointing that the article lacked quotes or comments from the born-again "scratchers," which would have been great examples to bolster the piece. Apparently the feel of mixing and matching tunes gives music-lovers and those nostalgic for days past something to revel in.

This article offers some insight into the world of surfing, specifically, when as rare an event as a 50-foot wave may be around the corner. It conveyed the excitement around the event, revelaed sportsmens' philosophies and unwavering love for the sport, following waves around the globe if need be. It also talks a bit about how surfing contributes to Hawaii's economy. It's interesting, and for those ignorant to the world of surfing, it's a glimpse through a small, curtained window.

A new trend seems to be emerging, and I can't pinpoint when exactly it began. More and more it seems people are trying to get back to basics. My thoughts are that it might have always been around, but that the current economic situation spurred its progression. This article is about getting back to nature.
It caught my eye because it's about a) kids, b) school. And so I was hooked. It proved quite an interesting read about a school in which nature--not manicured lawns, and shiny jungle-gyms but the rugged outdoors--is an integral part of the experience. I liked the descriptions of the leafy outdoor classroom, of children partaking in imaginative games, and of the idea fueling the new program. This article was more of a snapshot than a narrative.

So basically we're screwed. Our meat is tainted with E.Coli, and now we find that the plastic containers we keep it in are hazardous to our health. This article, frightening as it may be, doesn't propose that all is lost, but emphasizes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As it is an opinion piece, I guess it makes sense that he kept it short, and focused only on one form of cancer--breast cancer--but I felt the scope a bit too narrow. I would've appreciated it more if it were a longer piece, making explicit--with data and comments from oncologists--the bajillion factors that add to our risk of developing cancer in our urban jungles.

I was drawn to this article because it's a follow-up on one that freaked me out in early October. It was about meat riddled with extremely harmful bacteria, the lax hygienic rules in place at slaughterhouses, and the not-so-watchful FDA. Apparently they've been working on vaccinations in an attempt to curb outbreaks (more like lessen the number of embarrassing recalls). Sadly though, nothing seems to fully solve the problem.
A disturbing reality that this article and the earlier one touched on, is the lack of action on the government's part. True, it's the slaughterhouse's fault for having dirty facilities, but aren't the government agencies in place to a) make sure that isn't the case, b) prosecute those who don't comply, c) work to remedy the situation? It seems more time is devoted to trying to figure out if Tiger Woods is cheating on and beating his wife.

Apparently the wave of unemployment that's been plaguing the nation is slowing. I would've liked to know how the revised--smaller--numbers were calculated. I wonder if they are fact-based or "fudged" to instill confidence in the market.
The delineation between long-term and short-term unemployment, and their respective consequences is pretty interesting. I don't think the average reader would have made the distinction had it not been made clear. I sure didn't.
To keep statistics from anesthetizing us from the direness of the situation, the author ends the article by referring to the "millions of Americans, who must deal with piles of unpaid bills, worries about unexpected medical expenses and concerns about losing their homes." He then goes on to tell the story of a struggling mother, grounding us in the disturbing reality.

Hello, nice to meet you.... again.

Wohoo! Thank you high-speed internet. The link embedded in this article offers a real-time look into the brain-shaving and other laboratory procedures that are currently being undergone to map and preserve an anomaly of a brain.
This is a great article as it is science worded in lay terms for the average reader, but is by no means dumbed down. It is also peppered with technical lingo for those with a little more experience. I enjoyed the detailing of the patient's symptoms (in a lighthearted manner) and the descriptions of his experiences. It made him more than just a 'famous brain.' This article reads like a story--there is definitely a narrative flow--, and an exciting one at that. With quotes from experts in the field of neuroscience telling of how much they could potentially learn from H.M's brain, it's quite thrilling.

I find it very surprising that legislation allowing for same-sex marriage has been shot down in recent times. California. Maine. Isn't this the time of change, the time of hope? If anything I thought the backlash from the eight previous conservative years would propel the legislation through and have gay couples lined up at the chapel by now.
Odd. Or maybe i don't really understand the intricate inner-workings of politics. Or maybe Republicans--whose votes are needed--should get out of this new habit of opposing anything proposed by the Democrats.
In any case, this article is about the recent progress--or lack thereof--of the issue in New York. Included in it are excerpts from some senator's speeches, which are quite moving. Apart from that it's a straight-forward account of the buildup to today's unfortunate decision.

This is a very good opinion piece on why more troops should not be sent to Afghanistan. The reality is that America cannot be the world's Paladin for much longer if its economic situation continues to deteriorate. However, it is certainly a tricky situation. Pulling out too quickly and without bolstering Afghanistan's local forces would leave it open to invasion by the Taliban and AlQaeda, rendering America's war on terror a failure. Continuing with the excessive spending and prolonged presence will lead to a soaring deficit... and then what?

I'm not a fan of organized or institutionalized religion. Or maybe religion in general, at least the way I see it practiced and imposed today. So I really liked this article in that it presented a case in which religion was taken as I think it should be--personally, a connection between the created and if he/she exists, the creator. There's no mention of attempted conversion, no call to arms, no blasting other religions. Religion--Judaism specifically-- makes the artist happy, she feels she has found herself in it, plain and simple. And even in her religious art she merely expresses how she feels, and others are welcome to find something in it, spirituality maybe, or not. They have the option of just appreciating it as art. No more, no less.

This is an interesting piece about loss of libido in women. It focuses on the relationship between mind and body, the prevalent theories in psychiatry, and specifically, questioning their validity. For those unfamiliar with the world of psychology and psychiatry, it gives a solid introduction to methods of diagnosis, specifically, it talks about the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
It was interesting to read about how Brotto took what she learned in one branch of psychology and applied it to another--highlighting how many of our mental issues overlap.
The article could have been shorter, and at times I found my mind wandering, it wasn't too captivating. But it was a good read nonetheless.

Things this article taught me: What peat swamp forests are. How continued deforestation and neglect will lead to the release of a lot more C02. (It reminded me of) how large a role money plays in everything. And the sad reality that people and governments get together frequently to talk, but it is so infrequent that they come up with a viable road-map. It's implementation is another issue.

Interesting and suspicious though, are the Indonesian players who have stepped up to address this issue. Paper and pulp-making companies? Um, really?

The government knows that by being the third largest C02-emitting country, there is much at stake, and international pressure is sure to mount. So why don't they play an active role? I would have liked to read some comments from them. I wasn't sure where they stood, they're mentioned by others but never addressed directly.

I liked the structure, as the story begins on a boat in the peat swamp, with a local describing the situation. Next we're taken to the global stage, we're told why this is especially relevant now. Ah, Copenhagen. Then, where the issue might go (who'll do what, and what are the incentives?). Interspersed throughout are opinions of locals, environmental groups, and paper manufacturers--the key players.

The statistic in this article's lede pulled me in. "With food stamp use at record highs and climbing every month, a program once scorned as a failed welfare scheme now helps feed one in eight Americans and one in four children." Wow.
The inclusion of multiple families' accounts of the struggle to make ends meet, with emphasis on their lack of food, grounds the statistics in flesh and blood. What I found very interesting are the quotes from people whose views have changed--those who used to believe people on welfare "milked the system" and that government aid encouraged laziness, until they found themselves in line, in dire need of that extra help.
One of the great things of e-newspapers is the embedded multimedia. Along with this article come a few links for those interested in solid numbers for the whole bleak picture, in addition to photos and links to related articles. A lot of information for those interested.

Any food enthusiast--such as myself--would love this article. It's part history lesson, part biographical scavenger hunt, and holding it all together are seamlessly interwoven descriptions of dining experiences in Parisian restaurants.
As a feature article, it is written with effective elaborate imagery--I could see the frescoes and taste the poultry-in-dough. I was drooling by the second page.

The use of short, choppy sentences is effective. The author does a lot with minimal wordage. By describing the happenings in the recreation room--the one place where being cancer-free is uncommon--the patients' and their feelings about the hospital, and the illness that has changed their lives emerge.
What this piece does is show the dynamic of a place whose inhabitants are in a tough spot, to put it lightly. Priorities are reshuffled; the value of day-to-day life takes precedence, and longevity is more of an afterthought. It's inspiring.

This article is well-written and very very true. That's why I read it twice. Also because it's quite relevant to my life.
At a recent dinner party, I had a conversation with a few disillusioned Arabs who are currently in the same predicament Mr. Ayyaduari found himself in years ago. The ambitious Arab students (and I emphasize ambitious because there are those who come for the sole purpose of partying before heading back to their ultraconservative countries) who I have interacted with over my 4-year stay in Boston, have voiced plans identical to those espoused by Mr. Ayyaduari before his return to India. So they took their noble cause and newly minted degrees back home. Sadly, they had the same reaction upon returning from their sallies into the workforce there.
The author hits the nail on the head, 'inefficiency and government opaqueness' send feelings of frustration and helplessness soaring, making it much harder for those repatriates to assimilate and lead productive and happy lives.

I've been attempting to keep up with legislation and social progress regarding cannabis, so it's natural that this article caught my eye. It's definitely informative--I had no idea you could go to weed-growing school--, and highlights both the benefits and hiccups that accompany the laxer laws on medical marijuana. The economic incentive behind the establishment of a place where people can learn to start a medical-marijuana-distribution business is obvious, and so I wonder how much the current economic slump contributed to the O.K.ing and passing of laws allowing this. Because at the end of the day, to the general public, marijuana is a "bad drug," and establishing legal dispensaries may seem atrocious.

This article is about one of Jordanian King Abdulla's attempts to rid the parliament of corruption and shake them out of their stagnant inert state (which seems to be the public's claims). It surprised me to know, however, that the King had such power. How can a parliament be dissolved just like that? Are there no rules in place to keep, for example, a corrupt ruler from unseating a legislature that doesn't comply with his wishes? I would've liked to known more about the political structure in Jordan. Some background would have made the article more effective.

News on a politically motivated massacre in the Philippines is what this article brings us. It's a harrowing account, retold by an anonymous source (out of fear for his life). In a short piece the author tells a vivid story of corruption in one of its extremest forms. It's effective; I was shocked.

The Palestinian-Israeli situation is still going in circles, getting nowhere, as this article points out. There isn't anything too groundbreaking about the content or writing of this piece, but it does point out a new difficulty. After years of both sides refusing concessions, they finally budged a bit. However, the budging seems to be half-assed, just to say that they've done something, and so it takes them back to square one. In any case, it's an update, if one can even call it that.

This is an interesting article about people getting back in touch with their hunter-roots. I suppose a combination of factors propelled them into this, I don't want to call it a fad, but well, it seems like one.
The article is well written, as the author gives us numerous accounts of why, how, and where people decided to try their hand at dragging carcasses home and onto the table from a forest rather than their nearest Safeway. She talks about the environmental impact, the economic impact, the visceral feeling--the satisfaction--that accompanies the hunt. Get out your rifles and head to the forests y'all!

This is a great article. In fact, I was just yesterday talking to a friend about the imposed conformity and lack of free thought that (unfortunately) pervades the Middle East, so it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time.
The author gets to the heart of the problem, which consists of 2 major elements. First, that any idea that even hints at a digression from the strict religious rule, is both heresy, and inherently incorrect. They must be falsities. Second, that despite pouring money into our educational institutions, Arab students are among the lowest-ranked globally, because of the methods in which students are taught.
I really liked that the author sought out both students of varying disciplines, as well as comments from some of the older generation. It displays a shift in thought among successive generations. Also effective was his use of a translated quote from a pioneering 13th century Arab physician, Ibn Alnafis. The inclusion of the quote shows that this phenomenon is definitely a new one. It's not an inherent lazy Arab gene we carry, which I've overheard many people say.
Arabs have been at the forefront of science and discovery throughout history, and I believe the religious and political climates are what have turned the once bubbling and inquisitive soles stagnant.

This is a really funny account of a flight attendant's nap in a plane's overhead rack. It's a short, light read, stuck between articles too serious and heavy to digest after 5.pm.

This article has a great lede, introductory paragraphs that I think every American can identify with, and presents a very interesting topic. The author makes the sciencey subject comprehensible to the layman, and in a lighthearted tone goes on to present data, cite examples and findings, and even delves into the social reception of the theory. It's a very good article. I was satisfied at the end of it, and there were no lingering questions in my mind.

Dancing with the nerves

Alternative physical therapy, you might call it. Hopeful dancing even. Whatever the label is, this article speaks of a man with cerebral palsy, a choreographer, and their journey towards a good show, and an improved gait. The article contains a lot of descriptions of movement and dance, and the embedded video really does a great job in illustrating that. Not that the writing isn't sufficient, but the video of their dance rehearsal brings it alive.

Stuck right in the middle of this article on car-manufacturer Toyota's recent recall of faulty vehicles, is a succinct, effective, and gruesome description of a car-crash. That bit made the piece for me, as the potential horrors of defective accelerator pedals came to life.
One thing that wasn't brought up was whether or not Toyota was going to charge customers who wish to replace their accelerator pedals, and that bugged me. The first thing I'd want to know if I was a Toyota-driver is how much it would cost. It's a well-written article, and informative if you're not a Toyota enthusiast who's already well-versed in their statistics.

Nationala-soccer-ism and Halal Roubles

This article, appearing only months before the 2010 finals, addresses a (disturbing) growing trend--violence, aggression and insanity after soccer matches. The Arab world has recently seen some of this aggression as Tunisians and Egyptians grew hostile towards each other after a qualifying match that marked Tunisia as in, and Egypt out of the 2010 games. I like how he brings the local issue to light, and then provides some history, pointing out other instances where violence has erupted after highly charged soccer matches--broadening the article's scope to an international one.

Islamic banking in Russia? Who would've thought. Muslims, a third of the Russian population? Since when? As ignorant as this might make me sound, I had no idea so many existed over there. This article addresses that population's want for financial institutions that are run by Islamic laws, allowing them to practice their faith and adhere to its principles in all aspects of their lives. Banking--pardon the pun--on the better performance of Islamic financial institutions during the global economic meltdown, banks in the Middle East are looking to expand in the Kremlin. The article is informative, but a bit dry, then again, the content isn't too exciting, just eye-opening.

Reinterring The Stranger?

Albert Camus, making headlines, and still very much with an opinion 49 years after his death. The article primarily addresses the political implications of this move-- Sakozy attempting to move his remains to the Pantheon--, but then addresses his status in 20th century literature. I disliked that the author only sought one opinion on the matter, since there rarely ever is a general consensus with regards to what counts as literary genius, and how far its influence reaches.

This article is, for lack of a better word, interesting. Very interesting actually. And it's quite befitting, what with stuff-your-face-with-turkey day just around the corner. The author points out the high-stress dynamic that manifests around the holiday spread, elaborating with examples from a variety of people. She focuses specifically on those regarding eating disorders, power struggles and when the two happen to merge--an infinitely more disturbing problem. It's another way to look at turkey day.

I'm all for legalizing marijuana, especially for those with painful, terminal illnesses, but prescribing it to to kids in treating A.D.H.D? I don't think so. This is a really good article, it's as unbiased as can be, in my opinion, pointing out the real downsides to cannabis use, but also addressing its noted benefits in some. It doesn't attempt to carve out a solution for the issue, which, could it be done so easily, would have already been.
The writing is clear and as a whole it's an informative article. I like how the author looks at it not only from the health benefits versus risks aspect, but also takes into account safety issues (kids buying drugs on the streets), academic performance (using one student's success story as an account), the family component (parents accompanying their kids while getting a prescription).

This is an interesting article that explores the current abortion standoff. I liked it because it offers precedents, points of views from both sides, and really steps back and looks at abortion in the larger picture--how high oh the priorities list is abortion when considering the health care overhaul? It definitely offers some perspective. One thing I didn't like about it though, is that it isn't clear in the second and third paragraph who she's referring to, the anti or pro abortion groups. That tripped me up and I have to re-read it a few times, and just assumed there was a type somewhere.

This article, focusing on the probable postponement of the January elections highlights one of the two biggest problems Iraq faces today: the various factions--Sunnis, Kurds, and Shiias--are just not getting along. The dispute over the election process, over the number of seats allocated to certain groups, etc are all products of this social divide. It is acknowledged, but what's being done to remedy it? It would've been nice to read about that underlying issue, since it's what's impeding Iraq's progress.

Great news! So, science's image has been gradually falling, becoming less attractive as Gossip Girl, Blackberries and the unappealing image of the pimply, socially inept scientist-nerd pervade society. But now, president Obama has decided to revamp that image. Smart move, since a lot of people simply follow the 'cool' of the flock. And if science is made to look cool (to those who are blind to its inherent coolness), and then it will have many followers.
This is a good article because it addresses how this recasting of science is going to happen--how each sector has promised to contribute. The writing is clear, elaborate, and non-repetitive. It's a good read.

So a guy set fire to a wine storage that he managed. Why though? The fact that this question remained unanswered bothered me. Was it for insurance reasons? Was he a pyromaniac?
I also would have liked to have read comments from those affected--his previous customers. I didn't like this article, it's quite lacking.

This article addresses new guidelines on mammography--the federal government's panel's assessment of risk versus benefit, and questions about its necessity. It's as unbiased as possible, and the statistics included help the reader gauge how serious a problem it is, and what the implications would be if these new guidelines were implemented. the inclusion of quotes from advocates and opposers offers us a balanced picture. It's a clear and informative piece.

This article is pretty depressing. Again we see the focus on partisanship as opposed to emphasizing ways to battle national issues. I definitely applaud the undercover reporting Giles and her partner did in exposing ACORN. But the stance she is proposing, "Above all, attack, attack, attack," is unsettling.

Interesting article. It addresses the practical potential of the newly opened Gold Line that extends into East L.A. Including quotes from locals adds to the excitement, as it is clear they see the line's extension as the ushering in of a better time--more tourists, more business, more exposure, and less misconceptions about the area. We see the locals are also excited about the chance to explore heretofore undiscovered areas of L.A County. Their anecdotes that the author has included gives the piece a warm feel. The article is a realistic portrayal of the situation as it also points out the difficulties in implementing a new rail line.

I'm not sure where I stand on the issue of publicizing photos of American soldiers abusing detainees, but in any case, this article-- which is more of an update--tells of the most recent happenings.

This is a funny article on how ridiculous people can be. Apparently 2012 is supposed to be another of the supposed apocalypses, which explains the furor around the release of the movie this weekend. The author lists the previous freak-out phases people have gone through in recent years when thinking the end is year. This article is well written and very funny. A nice start to the day.

This is an interesting article on the introduction of birth control into Afghanistan. The author is economical with her language, and the quotes she chose--from the various groups: Afghany women, mullahs, aid-workers--are effective. The inclusion of statistics--mortality rates, cost-per-child, average annual income--emphasizes how dire the situation is.

The quote at the end of the article was very true and a concise description of what needs to be done: Mr. Massoom, the mullah trainer, put it most directly. “This is an Islamic country,” he said. “If the clerics support this, no one will oppose it.”

You'd think it would be obvious that a mountain is made up of pebbles. Apparently not. This article addresses the shifting attention from larger to smaller donations, and their impact (obviously partly motivated by the decline in large donations due to the current economic environment). It's an informative piece in that it states numbers--of amounts gathered from small-scale donations, of kids helped, in people fed--that solidify the idea that every bit helps. Apart from that, however, it isn't too impressive.

Roads made of plastic? Apparently it's a good way to deal with plastic waste. This article delves into that sector in India and the politics hindering the new technology's widespread implementation. Very interesting read.

Great idea presented here, but the story lacks the details. How did the loan program get started? Why L.A as opposed to other cities? What are these loans contingent on?

Wohoo! It's about time they took the caffeinated alcoholic beverages issue seriously. I hate that stuff.
I liked how the article linked it to increased risk-taking and general bad behavior, but more important to me are the negative health effects that these drinks cause. I would have liked to seen more on that.

This article, on the tribulations of being a transgendered woman, and specifically, a classical pianist, I enjoyed very much. We are offered a look into the personal and professional obstacles she has faced. Ironically, we see Canada as more hospitable to transgendered people than New York City--who would've thought?

The embedded video in the article is what magnified the emotional oomph that the story delivered, it brought the people named in the article to life, as well as made the feelings she spoke of so clear--her facial expressions tell the story of her struggle.

I wasn't aware that there was a curfew for minors in California. And I'm not sure I agree with the logic behind its implementation: "Clearly, they're not doing anything good if they're out there after 10 o'clock." said an officer.

The author does a good job of painting a picture of what a night in the curfew-sweep business is like, but I would've liked more background. When was the law implemented? How did it come to be? How effective has it been? Some statistics would've helped.

I really like this article. It's topic--alternative medicine--is presented clearly, and the author has obviously done her research. It's especially relevant in today's world of soaring healthcare costs, since the issue is at center stage. I like the list approach she uses on how to go about pursuing alternative treatment, and getting insurers to cover the costs. It breaks the daunting task into smaller, doable bits. Also, she quotes many doctors, which is always good when addressing an issue regarding the fragile human body--she doesn't come off as a witch doctor.

Local Art

This article addresses a problem that has begun to grow in recent years--the lack of funding for art-related projects in the Middle East.

As Arab students studying abroad venture from the traditional academic and career paths --business, medicine, and law--, they are finding it harder to implement what they've learned upon returning home. It's not the lack of money in the region, but the hesitation in allocating it to locals--oil money is being poured into international films-- as the author makes clear.

The article contains quotes from filmmakers from around the Middle East, which shows it's not specific to a certain country in the region, but a widespread issue.

This is a pretty good obituary. Maybe I liked it because of my fascination with the former USSR, or that I love stories in which the plight of a whole people --without stripping each of his/her individuality-- is presented.

We're given the history of her family's exile, which mirrors the lives of so many back then.
By using bits of writing from the deceased's books, the author does a lot of showing rather than telling.

And finally, the picture included in the article is an endearing one.
Overall effect? I wish I could've met this lady.

Similar to the insanity-plea, the death sentence in California seems as ineffectual in its power to deter or rehabilitate criminals. Not only that, but as this article shows "a state commission of experts last year estimated that the additional security and legal spending for capital inmates costs taxpayers $138,000 per death row prisoner each year." So it's a lose/lose situation for non-felons/taxpayers. What do we do then? I would have liked to read about some proposed alternative punishments. As absurd as they may be, it beats feeling stuck.

The author uses a lot of quotes from a convict, his lawyer, and people on the other side of the legal establishment, which makes for a realistic piece--with more than one perspective offered. Good lede too. Reading that someone wants a death sentence makes you think its either a story about a crazy person--which is usually interesting--, or that something is wrong with the legal system--both interesting and disturbing.

Wow, it seems the "reefer madness" mentality is easing up. The AMA thinks the scheduling of cannabis as class 1--the most tightly-restricted category of drugs--is based on minimal research and that its potential beneficial medical use should be looked into.

This article gives a concise, although spotty, history of the consensus on cannabis from the 1930s until today. There is definitely a shift in tone on the subject, and its curious that the federal government failed to comment, and the FDA maintained that nothing has changed.

I like how in this article, the author stacks quotes from people of various opinions, in an attempt to offer us a realistic view of who this man--Lou Dobbs--is. I wonder what he'll go on to do afterwards? I would have liked it if the author had interviewed him. It's probably too early for that though.

"While Dobbs started at CNN as a financial journalist, in the last several years he assumed the role of commentator, a move he was able to make because, as managing editor of his program, he controlled its content." Sigh. It's a matter of power, not skills or capabilities. Great.

Shoot or I'll recite!

I really liked this article, simply because it told a story I had absolutely no idea about: Kalashnikov's poetic aspirations.

In addition to revealing that side of the weapon-creator, the author gives a nice little history lesson on how the AK-47--Kalashnikov's brainchild-- came into existence and it's status worldwide.
As is the case with any famous Russian person or invention--anything that the world is aware of--, the politicians have to have some say and point out its importance and role in their national pride. And that's quite clear in this article--he even got a salute from a Russian cosmonaut on the International Space Station. Wow.

Another wall for the state, another barrier for the people

This is an opportune time--during commemoration of the fall of the Berlin Wall-- for this article to be published. The comparison between the Berlin Wall and the Israeli wall currently under construction--the latter being more daunting in size--, during a time when people are revisiting their memories and emotions, their feelings on such divisions and their implications, is effective.
The article lacked quotes from Israeli officials, which, in my opinion, is crucial.

More on the Palestinian situation:

Mahmoud Abbas isn't running for re-election? Is this a new political tactic, a sort of bluff? Or has what's been echoing in the Middle East finally being said by a politician: the two-state solution is nowhere in sight.
One of the nice things about online articles, this one being an example, is that the author can embed videos in them, using sound and image to bolster his/her story.

Again, I would have liked to hear the Israeli point of view, as is included in this NYT article, covering the same topic.

This article addresses a serious and growing problem, that of the homeless veteran. By stating that they "lead the nation in depression, suicide, substance abuse and homelessness," the author is informing us of the severity of the situation from the get-go, and the statistics he includes makes it all the more poignant.

The author is economical with his words, he does a lot with a little--it's an effective piece.
This article--published on Veteran's day--definitely delivers the intended emotional oopmh, especially in its closing line.

Smart Ham

This article reads almost like a narrative. The author writes about the experiments and hypotheses as if writing stories (which is a smart way to keep the reader reading), and does it in a manner that doesn't undermine the seriousness and legitimacy of the scientific research. It's impressive because she is addressing a topic --pigs and their evolutionary biology--that is usually presented rather dryly.

The lede is great too--what better way to hook a reader than by referencing a tale straight out of his childhood? I also like that she offers us some historical background; how the pig was domesticated.

Looking through a phone

The headline hooked me--turn a cellphone into a microphone. The lede and clear writing sustained me. This article is great.
By the time I reached its end, I found that any question that cropped up while I read, was eventually addressed. The author talks about the inception and construction of the phone-turned-microscope, breaking down technical jargon into lay terms for us to understand how it works, tells of its application and value in day-to-day life, and its possible future--commercialization. By quoting experts in various fields he shows us its extensive applicability and potential.

Some history, and maybe a forecast or two

This article convinced me that long sentences are not for news articles. The topic is interesting --who is really running the show in Moscow?-- but the structure of the article makes for hard reading.

This is a really good article is about a great achievement--the fall of the Berlin Wall-- being attributed to different factors--, depending on whether you're in Europe or the United States. The author goes on to include other historical examples and current events--he gives us global perspective-- to allow comparison. By Inserting quotes from former foreign ministers and veterans in the field of international relations, the author imbues the piece with a serious, informed/informative tone.

Rocking out for a revolution

This is a cool article on how music played a role-- seemingly ineffectual on the political level, but important in providing some of the youth with the momentum they needed to look to the future-- in the toppling of socialist regimes.

The article paints a historical picture of the severity of the situation in the former USSR, as one of the band members recalls, "I smuggled [records] across the border under the floorboards of my parents’ car."

I particularly liked that the article isn't merely focused on the past, but also reveals how the obstacles have turned from strict state laws to global competition. The comparison to current countries under oppressive rule makes it a more inclusive piece pertaining to a topic still relevant today.

I also liked how the author included technical(ish) descriptions of the various types of music performed by the bands.

Most luxury goods makers pride themselves on their exclusivity and seemingly perpetual prestigious image. So I find it interesting to observe how dire circumstances bring about inevitable change.

This article on Burberry's current strategy to adapt to diminishing sales is interesting. As opposed to other luxury brands, they aren't merely setting up an online shopping option, but they've even started their own social networking site. A vast Burberry-only billboard maybe?

The article is informative, especially to those unfamiliar with how luxury-item sellers run their businesses--who they view as their consumer base, the role their status as high-end product suppliers plays, and how tactics they employ affect their image. I would've liked it if the author included more on how other luxury-item providers were faring, and maybe a general comparison.

My insatiable curiosity about the human mind and the secrets of its intricate workings drew me to this article. I like the new approach to understanding pattern recognition, and the probable evolutionary and biological explanation behind it.
I like easy science. Easy in the sense that you don't need a high-tech lab to run experiments, and so I appreciated the author's description of basic experiments the researchers used to identify heightened cognitive function. Also, his incorporation of data (the ultimate legitimizer) and many quotes from experts lends the piece an authoritative tone. I also like how he didn't restrict himself to using textbook examples, how he ventured into literature and philosophy, in addition to psychology in coloring the topic.

Unraveling the onion

I always like it when an article reveals the inner workings of an organization in a detailed, lucid style. And this is what this article does. Apparently, running a satirical newspaper requires much more work than I expected. Quoting the head writer of the onion: "We spend hundreds of hours in the room deconstructing the jokes. I don’t think there’s anything comparable to the amount of material we generate and reject just to come up with the week’s headlines.”

"The staff devotes the first two days of every week to composing headlines, then assigns the articles that will run beneath them and provide a body of supporting jokes." I guess the way you compose and compile the news depends on what you want your paper to do for the public. This is reminiscent of Hearst and Pulitzer's newspapers.

I liked the article's structure and diction, they were the appropriate vehicle for the content. The wording seemed very casual, and the author's insertion of large amounts of dialogue put me there, around the table with the editors and writers.

Shoes for thought

I really like the topic covered here, and the aspect from which the author approaches it, shoes as a necessity, not an indulgence. Tying the notion of shoe-shopping to emotional and mental health, as opposed to obsessive materialism, is interesting.

I like how she provides us with a couple of far-flung explanations that market analysts offered as to why shoes aren't among products with diminishing sales. It makes you wonder about the soundness of other types of market-based analyses. Hmmm.

What appealed to me most about this article was the attempt to understand social behavior by way of observing certain patterns in relatively abnormal circumstances, i.e., shoe sales during a recession.

Estrogen Bubble

This article serves as a reminder that within even the most globalized of places, a multitude of distinct microcosms may exist.

I liked the author's introduction, it both summed up what the story was about, and was a nice way to hook the unwitting to continue reading--who isn't drawn to stories of sex and scandal? She did a good job in presenting all aspects of the all-female residence; from describing its allure by noting its 1920's feel and naming former famous inhabitants, to pointing out their necessity and practicality--relatively cheap rent-- in twenty-first century New York City.

I really liked how she used direct quotes from the variety of women there, and describing the different walks of life that brought them there. Her description of the small communities in their bustling morning routines, their quieter evenings in, really put me there. The article was effective.

Profanity in all its fucking glory

I really liked this article. I always find it interesting when people are 'studied' in an unorthodox manner, by observing variables previously overlooked.

I found this article informative--I wasn't aware that Mexicans in general were considered ultraformal and polite, then again, maybe that's because I come from a similar culture, so I'm blind to it.

I also liked that in writing this article, the author got people to think about the reasons why and the ways in which they curse. We usually don't think about these things, and the words just spew. It's also interesting to me when words are looked at under multiple lights, dissected, and their functions revealed, when previously unknown or rendered obvious. Curse words can be terms of endearment, can be political exhortations, a form of therapy for the speaker, or can be just another word in a sentence, as mundane as the next.

Interesting article. It caught my eye because, although it inevitable addresses the rift between Democrats and Republicans on healthcare, it isn't completely centered around it, as most articles on the issue are.

They make palpable the tension currently surrounding Capitol Hill by describing the protests vividly, and the mounting suspense leading up to Saturday. The inclusion of protesters' chants are also effective. I wasn't at all bored while reading this article.

I liked that the authors put the spotlight on a couple of groups which are seemingly more likely to be affected if the bill passes. However, I would've liked if they had gotten more specifics from the AARP, as they did from the AMA.

I really liked this article. Why? Well, all the nerds out there know that math is fun, but the average person doesn't. To the average person math is a daunting, obscure, incomprehensible subject. It's very sad that some of these people go through their whole lives without having been exposed to its underlying beauty.

I particularly liked how the author gave an example of a person who's life (or career) revolved around mathematics, and yet, he was no mathematician by definition. It's by breaking stereotypes and misconceptions that a subject's beauty and elegance shines through and renders people disillusioned no more.

"The algebra and geometry were sugar-coated with elaborate stories and wonderful illustrations of giraffe races, pool-hall squabbles, burglaries and scheming carnival barkers," says Mr. Gardner of the books his father gave him. This is the kind of math that we should be promoting, or at least, showing kids what it could be, and on some inherent level, actually is. It's no mere textbook filler.

I also liked how the author included Mr. Gardner's philosophical views on mathematics, why it appealed to him, and when he got those emotional 'oomph's' out of a puzzle. Sometimes being exposed to one person's passion for a subject propels us into it as well.

I like watching systems evolve after a drastic change has occurred. So it's only natural that this article caught my eye. I guess in my simplemindedness, I envisioned only good times when laws that rendered weed more readily available --by decriminalization or the introduction of laxer criteria for obtaining ID cards--were passed. I imagined a scene from That 70's Show.

However, it seems the reality of the situation, at least for a small, struggling town, is otherwise. It goes without saying that differing locations, county sizes, populations, what their economies run on...etc, are all factors that govern the extent to which different areas will be affected. So despite that this account of one county's issues can't be generalized to describe the whole of the new US-cannabis situation, it's an interesting and informative case study.

It seems that apart from keeping the local economy afloat--if people are growing weed there, they need supplies, so they buy them from the hardware stores. They have to eat, so groceries are bought locally also--, most locals believe the effects have been negative. The author does a thorough job in pointing out those effects by including costs of cleaning up illegal farms, and quotes from dismayed locals.

The issue is more complicated than just laxer laws and fewer people being thrown in jail for petty weed-sales. And by quoting authority figures, the author informs us of some of the larger effects that are unknown to most--myself at least.

"I just wish recreational pot smokers could understand what they are supporting," said Joshua Smith, natural resources project manager at the nonprofit Watershed Research & Training Center in Trinity County. "They're supporting clear-cutting the forest, pesticides, de-watering the streams, poaching wildlife, Mexican drug cartels and human trafficking."

Reddening

The first thing that caught my eye in this article was the lede--which is what an effective one should do, right? Maybe it's a personal thing, but the mention of food always does it. Might it be because it's one of the things that ties us all? Or maybe it's because of our growing fear food-borne illness outbreaks that might ravage the country. In any case, it works.

In talking about the evident soviet-mentality-revival, the author provides examples from various aspects: the shop's sign being torn down (government using force to implement laws that are not even in ink), the lawsuit by Stalin's grandson (it's mere appearance in court signals something), the introduction of a previously banned book into the Russian school system (its author, upon repenting and projecting pro-putin views, was allowed to return to the country), to name a few.

Also interesting was her conveyance of the stark contrast between theory and actuality; the difference between hearing about twenty-first century Russia on the BBC, and walking down its streets. I like how the author employed the image of the hammer and sickle laden buildings--very much soviet, very much still there.

Maybe the iron curtain hasn't hasn't come down completely.

I found this article interesting became it is part of a relatively new trend that's emerging in the more conservative Arab world: demanding free speech, and finally revealing dismay at its suppression.

This ties in nicely with the recent example of the man who was sentenced to jail and lashes for boasting of premarital sex and exhibiting sex toys on an Arabic, Lebanon-based channel. It also follows an article published roughly one month ago, about media censorship in Saudi Arabia, and how the internet is proving a harder medium to censor than expected, offering many otherwise silenced Saudis with a chance to disseminate their thoughts and ideas without fear of rebuke of punishment (well, at least when pseudonyms are used).

I would liked to have seen more interviews, heard personal accounts of censorship, heard from senior officials on why they believe banning certain content to be legitimate.

The first thing I noticed in this article, and which really offers a look--for the unfamiliar-- into the conservatism that is Saudi Arabia, is how tight-lipped officials were when asked to comment. Fear of rebuke and punishment is quite effective.

'Abduljawad [the man who described his active sex life in saudi and showed sex toys on tv which were censored by the station] was sentenced to five years in jail and 1000 lashes.'

First, I am appalled at how a Saudi, aware of the ultraconservative society he resides in, didn't think twice before agreeing to go on the show. The sentencing is indeed horrific to those of us with a more open mind, and a mentality that isn't in opposition to addressing sex as a social issue. However, he us not completely without blame. How wise was it to boast of 'luring' single women into premarital sex, when that in itself is considered not only taboo, and illegal, but punishable by death?

Second, he says he was 'duped by the TV station and was unaware in many cases that he was being recorded.' What happened to consent forms? Aren't they required?

The fact that 'sex show' and 'Saudi female' are part of the same sentence, signals the ushering in of a new era for the kingdom. Not necessarily a more liberal one, but one in which these issues can no longer be kept off the public radar.

A molecule of journalism? Or two on the lack thereof?

I found this article interesting because of it is relevance to a topic I've recently been introduced to: the hyping of drug use on mentally ill patients and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on psychiatry. The writing however, is nothing to brag about.

The author does a good job in presenting an informative lay-description of how dopamine works. She also does good by quoting a researcher on the effects of dopamine-targeting drugs, lending the piece an authoritative feel, but her questions only touch on the dopaminergic effects--as if nothing else is altered. What about the negative side effects? What else do these drugs do to the brain, and in turn, the bodily functions it governs?

This is a huge part of the problem today; the widespread ignorance (or is it that information has been intentionally withheld?) about the physiological changes in the brain, and consequently, bodily functions gone awry, resulting from nonchalant pill-prescribing and pill popping.

Maybe this has to do with that I've just finished reading Mad In America, but one of the things that bothered me about this article is the lack of reference to the drugs'--Prozac, Ritalin and Adderall-- horrific side-effects. There is also no reference to long-term studies, no actual digging for facts, merely stating what she's been told by 'the experts'. Then again, it is a tricky situation, who can you believe, who would your editor consider a reliable source, a 'crazy' or a doctor/psychiatrist/person of authority?

"In the emerging view, discussed in part at the Society for Neuroscience meeting last week in Chicago, dopamine is less about pleasure and reward than about drive and motivation"
If they were off about the criteria for diagnosis, how many people have been misdiagnosed, and consequently, permanently damaged--and probably worse off than they would have been had they not popped that first pill.

"An impoverishment of prefrontal dopamine is thought to contribute to schizophrenia." Does the data tell this story? Or do the pharma-money-rich psychiatrists? It's irking to read this allusion to an already widespread falsity. Way to worsen the situation.

No, this definitely is not the Saudi Woman

This article caught my attention because the title--This is the Saudi Woman-- alluded to something, new? different? better? or maybe I was just hopeful. It turned out, however, to be a disappointment.

Apart from the poor writing, it seems to have one real purpose, and one tag-along purpose. The first, to praise the Saudi government for pushing for women's rights and proclaiming that the reason why is because 'they [kings] were keen to give the people of Saudi Arabia a good education.' While this is partly true, it definitely isn't the whole case. Where did social pressure and International criticism vanish to? Also, the author is obviously understating the level of power which the religious police, from decades of free reign, have, and exercise.

Also bothersome was the notion that women needed to learn for the sole purpose of applying that knowledge and becoming part of the workforce. "Otherwise, there would be no point in arduous study, going and coming from university and paying university fees if it would only lead to young women staying at home for fighting over jobs leftover for women. Why then give them an education in the first place?"

Part of the problem, I believe, is the idea that men require learning, yet it's a favor or blessing if it's bestowed upon a woman. Of course, from personal experience, I know this is not the case with everyone in Saudi. however, if these are the ideas that our 'educated' reporters are putting out there... Uh Oh...

One hopeful sign though, is the comment issued by the head of the supreme judiciary council in Saudi Arabia--which by the way is governed by Islamic law, so this is a religious figure speaking-- regarding the plan to develop the judiciary system. "He [Sheikh Saleh Bin Humaid] pointed out that development does not mean demolishing previous achievements, but rather looking forward to a better future." It would be great to think this was completely genuine and he meant every word of it, which I honestly hope it is. But it is highly likely that international criticism is playing a crucial role.

It also would have been nice to hear comments from officials, and those in the actual educational about the current situation in high schools and universities. Maybe interviews with ladies and their families on how it has affected their family dynamic.

In light of my recent discovery of the massive influence the pharmaceutical industry has on psychiatry, I was glad to read the quotes of a physician. It lent the piece an authoritative, believable tone, because I don't tend to think of internists as having pharma-coins jingling in their pockets. I was also educational in pointing out the immense physical degeneration that accompanies dementia--with and without aggressive drug treatment.

It's an interesting article because it diverges from the general consensus of 'hit the disease with everything we've got.' It addresses an aspect that is often overlooked: how the patient feels, as opposed to how to combat the physical aspect of the disease. The 'treatment' of 'schizophrenics' and their accounts of it attest to how bombarding the patient with 'appropriate medication' is often a bad idea, with horrific consequences.

An eye-opening element in the article is how stark the numbers were between the decision to adopt aggressive treatment by families who were/weren't aware of the progressive and terminal nature of dementia. 27 percent for those who knew, as opposed to 73 percent for the unaware.

A prolonged life in either excruciating pain, or a vegetative state, aren't great options.

An indefinite wait

This article caught my attention because it focuses on a relatively unknown--outside of the Middle East-- side of the Palestinian plight; their status and destitution outside of the occupied territories and Gaza strip.

As the author points out, "there is a greater proportion of designated "hardship cases"- a status given to particularly poor or vulnerable refugees - in the Palestinian population of Lebanon than anywhere else in the region, including the Gaza Strip."

The article alludes to a larger issue, the detrimental psychological effect of their situation: the loss of hope and will among those refugees.

Ironically, the people interviewed for this article squat in a hospital complex, a place for a transitory stay, not the prolonged periods their stays have become.

Human Rights Before Politcs? A Rare Occurance.

Maybe I hadn't read the right articles in the past, focusing only on those espousing pro-Palestinian views. Today, however, it didn't matter which I chose, be it the pan-Arabic AlSharq Alawsat, Haaretz, Israel's oldest newspaper, or the local New York Times and Los Angeles Times. They all resonated with the same message: human rights before politics. Oh, and, further noncompliance from Israel will result in more negative sentiment from the international community.

After beginning with the NYT article, I was prompted to search for other viewpoints, or rather, for alternative-leaning newspapers, to see if there was truly a shift in tone with respect to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, or whether I was hoping against hope. What I found surprised me. And it was definitely a good surprise.

All the articles noted Israel's leveraging of its role in the attempted re-ignition of the peace process to keep from cooperating with UNHC report requests. I'm not used to reading about Israel being called out on its war crimes, only about Hamas and their rockets. Which I don't condone in the least, but as I said, I'm used to seeing the finger pointed at only one of the guilty sides.

An interesting accompanying article to the main entry in Haaretz attempted to trace back the roots of the conflict--not the well-known casualty numbers and highly publicized "concessions" on each side's part. It focuses specifically on the mentality behind the Israeli standpoint.

It's a sad, ironic, and recurring pattern throughout history that the death of thousands is a requisite for peace.

The word is breaking out!

I was pretty impressed to read in this article that the choke hold on Saudi media would be slackened, if only for the online stuff--if only until the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information finds other ways to censor it.

As an Arab, specifically a Saudi, it's pleasing to see progress like this, when just across the Red Sea, the more liberal Egyptian government recently banned a newspaper after reporting that three prominent actors had been caught in a gay prostitution network.

It's also nice to see the awareness of the online publishers that with this new found freedom come great responsibilities, i.e., source verification and truthful (fact-based) reporting. It's reassuring to know that in the realm of citizen reporting, the differences between East and West are not so stark.

The Kremlin's Stinkin' Gas

Once again, we see that it's all about the money. Well, and about what money can do.

Gazprom, the Kremlin's major gas exporter, is a vital organ in the Russian economy. A lesser known fact, as this article points out, is how the state uses it to exercise its political clout.

It isn't hard to turn a nob and stop gas exports to neighboring eastern European countries. But it is hard being those eastern European countries during a worldwide financial meltdown, under the mercy of a power-hungry state. The Ukrainian economy suffered a crippling blow last summer, when Russia cut off gas exports to the already struggling country. However, pressured by Western European governments--whose gas imports come to them via the same pipeline--, the gas began to flow again after 3 weeks.

The scary part for eastern Europe? To bypass them, Gazprom is laying pipelines under the Baltic sea, that will carry gas to western Europe. And who knows what will happen to the eastern republics once the west has its unobstructed flow of gas, and no protesting voices.

The beef with ground beef

Firstly, this article reveals the terrifying fact that we consume tons of meat that is not unlikely to be tainted. Secondly, it reiterates what many deemed cynics have been saying for a long time, that what everything comes down to is money.

Here are some excerpts that sent chills through my body:

"Many big slaughterhouses will sell only to grinders who agree not to test their shipments for E.coli"

"The department moved to require some bacterial testing of ground beef, but the industry argued that the cost would unfairly burden small producers."

At the cost of people's health? Wow.

Scarier even, is that the U.S.D.A. seems to lack the authoritative power to impose strict --or any for that matter-- safety regulations. "I have to look at the entire industry, not just what's best for public health" said an assistant administrator with the U.S.D.A.'s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The department has even gone so far as to accept research that is financed by some of the largest beef 'manufacturers' in the country at face value.

I'm definitely not coming within 10 feet of a hamburger patty any time soon.

An aspect of the article I particularly like is the detailed run through of the production process; from the moment the cattle arrive at the slaughterhouses, until the grinding of the meat (if we can even call it that). The industry is even called out on the obscurity of their labeling and their misleading people to think they're consuming real beef -- the muscle tissue that is.

I appreciated the effort put into this investigative report, and was impressed at how the author really got to the bottom of it, despite the many deterrences he faced-- tight lipped industry people, inaccessible confidential papers, and the invariable interview turndowns.

This is a scary reality, and until now and relatively unknown one. (Eerily, it seems not to have been a matter of chance that it didn't come to light sooner). I'm glad that it's now out here. I hope it scares the industry into cleaning up their act, literally.

Transparency in the blogosphere

It was only a matter of time. Too long have 'authentic' reviews been churned out, all the while being steered this way or that by the large companies in the shadows.

With citizens' best interests at its core, requiring all bloggers to disclose the nature of their relationship with the companies of the products they review is an honorable pursuit. A daunting one too.

Transparency is an essential element of reporting, if one seeks to obtain, and maintain, people's trust. Be it reporting on world affairs, or the impact of new products on day-to-day life. The internet is a source of abundant and easily accessible information. Unfortunately, a lot of it is inaccurate, serving purposes other than those ostensibly stated. It's relatively easy to look up which companies own certain broadcasting networks and newspapers (information I recently looked up), making us a little skeptical of so-called unbiased reviews they produce. That's OK though, because the connections aren't hidden from us; we have the knowledge to take the necessary precautions. More elusive however, is to find out which blogs are influenced--if at all-- by these companies.

This is why I liked the article on the F.T.C's decision to revise the rules about endorsements and testimonials in advertising. We have to constantly adapt to the rapidly emerging new technologies, and the pitfalls that come along with them. The internet is a great resource, and it would be a shame if it got to a point where we distrusted every bit of information, or blog entry we came across. This is a good step in the right direction.

Pol-arizing-anski

I like how the author utilizes this story to highlight the differences in how things are done transatlantically, especially when dealing with high-profile citizens. "The arrest painted the usual picture of moralistic America versus libertarian France."

Should certain citizens be allowed some leeway if they've contributed enough to society? Should their 'genius' serve as a get-out-of-jail-free card? An example of the absurdity being the appeal to the Polish President. Really?

More interesting to me was the reaction of the filmmaker/victim's mother noted at the end of the article. Her daughter was recently killed by a man who was let off early for the very reason of being a celebrity, and she criticized the government vehemently for it then. Now, however, she seems to have no qualms about signing the petition to have Polanski released. Personal interest? Hypocrisy?

So the nagging question arises: when people endorse such things, make such grand, polarizing statements (to me, taking a side on this issue is making a statement) is it because they truly believe in them, or are they doing so as insurance, just in case ...? Ah, human nature at its best!

Reimagining the knuckle dragger

I loved this article. Usually, I'm put off reading anything related to evolution because I get bogged down in all the Latin. Instead of infusing every sentence with tongue-tying technical terms, the author paints us an elaborate picture, offering us a rare, comprehensible scientific piece. (Compare it with this article from the NYT. Same facts, more credibility even, what with all the quotes from distinguished scientists, still pretty dry though)

The author also does a great job of shedding light on the painstaking effort that's required to unearth --literally and metaphorically-- such a discovery: Six years to reconstruct a pelvis. Wow. (In my mind, paleoanthropology is what happens in Jurassic Park, which didn't seem very hard).

This version of the article (the online version) is also a great learning tool; embedded in it are interactive graphics and slide shows, making it easier to delve into this monkey-business. Pardon the pun.

Bubbly please!

I like the 'on-the-street' reporting.

As the article points out, Mr. Beberman can't be googled, or found in the telephone directory, so to have gotten this story the author must have done some pretty thorough research (or the issue could have been mentioned to the author at bleak, seltzerless dining table).

The story is refreshing and informative--I had no idea seltzer water still came 'fresh' like that. I thought Perrier, Pellegrino, and their relatives were it.

Maybe I'm a bit sentimental, but I appreciated the glimpse into a single person's life (who happened to affect the lives of many others). It's definitely important to receive news on global issues, but this, in my opinion, is equally important--it's soul food. It's reassuring that these community-serving businesses exist, and that their disappearance won't go unnoticed.

Here's a fireman's suit, now go learn!

I found this piece interesting because it offers an option to the military-style academic regimen that's employed in a lot of schools--the 'keep your nose in the books if you want to learn anything' approach. I attended high school in Saudi Arabia, where it was more about memorizing than actually understanding the material at hand, and I've already forgotten most of what was then drilled into my head.

As the article points out, the predominant route that kids have been pushed to follow in the past decade, the 'preacademic approach', has less positive effects than first hypothesized, No Child Left Behind being a poignant example, with ample data to support its ineffectiveness. (Maybe part of the reason I like this article is because I'm one of the few at MIT who didn't go this route, so it kind of justifies my being here, and rules out that I might have slipped through the admissions-cracks). This trend is something I too have noticed, and it does seem to churn out some pretty mechanical-type thinkers, so it rang true to me. The author also provides concrete, albeit recently acquired data on the effectiveness of this new approach-- with emphasis on how to think, as opposed to what to think about (content)--which further solidifies the argument, so to me, he makes his point. It even seems a more natural way to go about the 'learning' process, at least when compared to the 'study study study' alternative.

Although not directly related to the central topic of teaching/learning methods, I would've liked to see more on the relationship between the effects of the widespread use of stimulants in children, and their capacity to learn and function in this new environment.

The Tools Of The Mind approach is clearly an effective one. If only that was the only factor that played into the viability of its widespread implementation. I guess time will tell.

Needle in a haystack, or behind a white picket fence?

For once, I appreciate the overcast Boston day that's unfolding outside my window. It's the appropriate setting for an article I stumbled upon today, both gray and depressing.

The story focuses on the sharp increase in heroin usage among middle and upper class kids, its pervasiveness, and (obvious) detrimental effects. The author clearly did his research, as I had heard about most of the drugs he mentioned--at parties, in university hallways, among friends even. So he would have had to really 'get in there' to get the facts.
However, what I would have liked to see is a comparison between usage among kids from different layers of society. Heroin is apparently pretty cheap now, as he points out in the article, which renders it accessible to people from most of the income-spectrum. Some contrast might provide a link to understanding its widespread use. The problem with the argument presented is that it's lacking; all we know is that apart from the sheer enjoyment of the euphoric high, the interviewees were inadvertently pushed to it by societal pressures to excel and succeed. I feel there might be more to it.